As it's an English degree you've done, I'd fully recommend doing an access course or at least an Open Uni course or two of the relevant units, a Biology one is always handy.

It's one of the most competitive courses (i'm talking 700 applicants for 30 places) so you really do need to be on top of your game, preferably with healthcare experience and/or voluntary work which relates to it. Sure Start centres are a good place to start, or PANDA (a charity for pre and post natal depression) are always looking for volunteers.

You need to fully understand the role of a midwife, uni's will expect you to know this in and out. It's silly really, since thats what we want to go to uni to learn.

Access courses are normally only for those without recent experience of studying. As you are just finishing your degree now, then an Access course wouldn't be relevant to you, unless the university required science A-Levels (I know nursing courses don't always require sciences, so I presume the same is the case for midwifery).

The part time thing could be a problem though - you will spend lots of time on placement, and UCAS course search doesn't list any universities in Greater London that do PT midwifery courses. However, as an NHS student you would receive full student funding, including having your childcare costs covered.

No idea about the work experience, but I'd suggest having a look at www.thestudentroom.co.uk as it often has some useful info on it.

I am wrapping up an English degree after taking time out to be with DD. I always thought about going to into midwifery but it just seemed so unrealistic before having my own DD. Seeing what it can mean to have a good midwife throughout my experience of having my first child has spurred me on to become a midwife myself, finally.

I don't know how to go about this if I already have a degree. I may also only be able to study part time and I don't know what type of course could offer me this option.

I was thinking about doing an Access to Nursing course and have also read that I need experience before they would take me on. Would this have to be experience specifically related to midwifery or could it be any part of the health care sector?